Arts & Entertainment
Shemar Moore explains why he addresses gay rumors
rumors that the actor is gay have appeared for the last decade
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Shemar Moore says he feels the need to refute gay rumors that have swirled around him for the past decade because he believes it’s “simpleminded ignorance.”
The 46-year-old actor spoke with BET.com in promotion for his new movie “The Bounce Back” and explained why he often takes to social media to say he’s straight when speculation about his sexuality begins.
“I just think it’s all silly. If you’re gay, you’re gay. I’m not, and I know that and I’m very comfortable with who I am and I love women. I’ve dated plenty of them. If you think I’m gay, send your girlfriend over to my house for the weekend and see what happens. For real,” Moore says. “You can call that arrogant if you want to. I just call it confident. You can call me whatever you want, but you don’t know me.”
“I have fans that are gay, men that come up to me, and they’re inspired by me, or they like me as an entertainer, and when they want to give me a hug or take pictures with me, what, am I supposed to not put my arm around them or stand next to them, and if the man next to me in the picture is gay, that makes me gay? That’s just simpleminded ignorance, and I don’t play that,” Moore continued.
Rumors that Moore is gay began in 2007 when Moore was photographed on a gay beach in Hawaii. They cropped up again earlier this year when Moore posted a photo with his friend on Instagram.
Comments that Moore was gay because of the photo led Moore to make a response video.
Yup… I said it!!! Let the comments begin… ?? I got NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR MY FANS… PERIOD!!! ?❤️
A video posted by Shemar Moore (@shemarfmoore) on
“The Bounce Back” is currently in theatres.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
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